Netizens get surprised by Ayush Badoni’s quick comeback innings against PBKS, labelling it as “blinder” in match 68th of IPL 2026. LSG had nothing to lose coming to this game, as they are already officially eliminated from IPL 2026, but things are tight for PBKS, as they, along with KKR and RR, are aiming for the last spot of playoff qualification. Thus, this is a must-win match for the Shreyas Iyer-led Punjab.
Punjab Kings won the toss and sent LSG to bat first. LSG, as usual, had a cold start as Arshin Kulkarni departed early with a duck, followed by Nicholas Pooran. Mitchel Marsh, their only in-form batsman, missed the match tonight due to injury. Ayush Badoni, after being dropped for a few matches, was the only notable highlight of LSG in the first 8 overs. He scored a 43 off 18 balls, helping PBKS reach 100 in 10 overs. Josh Inglis too didn’t disappoint after a slow start, scoring a 50* in just 30 balls.
Netizens questioned why Ayush Badoni was benched for so long and an out-of-form batsman was given a chance to play for LSG. Some netizens bashed PBKS bowling as the reason that even LSG batsmen are playing so well.
Bowling so trash that even marshless lsg is casually belting us at 10 runs per over 😭
— Parav (@Paravkahol) May 23, 2026
Ayush Badoni played an absolute blinder tonight. Turned the game around after two early wickets. Still don’t understand why LSG dropped him midway through the season for random players. pic.twitter.com/5XqdIOXFt2
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) May 23, 2026
LSG having the support of KKR, RR and DC fans😭 pic.twitter.com/kcHwElpz3X
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) May 23, 2026
LSG loss doesn't matter to him now, bro will be more happy for KKR exit. pic.twitter.com/8hXfMPFVLp
— कट्टर INDIA समर्थक 🦁🇮🇳 ™ (@KKRWeRule) May 23, 2026
Arshin Kulkarni flopped once again - He has played 4 matches 0(1) 9(7) 17(24) 0(1) - today What a shit talent LSG has bought #LSGvsPBKS #PBKSvsLSG pic.twitter.com/1Gk2wt8xq9
— Raja (@_raja_kumar) May 23, 2026
Only Josh Inglis playing seriously bc. LSG playing to lose today I think
— Venky Mama (@venkymama100) May 23, 2026
PBKS IPL 2026 playoff qualification scenario
PBKS started off IPL 2026 in great zeal and with a consecutive winning streak, but the latter part of the tournament has seen them in shambles as they have lost six straight games out of their last 7 games. After losing to the Delhi Capitals, PBKS are sitting among the top four, having collected 13 points from 11 matches. But, they are not the only sides who are mathematically in the race at this point, with others like RR, KKR and DC also in the wait for the fourth-placed finish.
A must-win in their last game will give PBKS 15 points, which will keep them in contention for fourth place, but there will be the last two games will decide their fate majorly.
RR losing their final game.
KKR losing their final game, or if they win, their net run rate should exceed PBKS' tally.
